Climate, Culture and Biodiversity - Interwoven Challenges in a Changing World

<p>The overall goal of the course is that after completing the course, the student will have knowledge about the causes of biodiversity loss and the multiple values of nature, as well as a basic understanding of the connections between climate change and biodiversity loss. The student will also be able to analyze and apply cultural and artistic expressions as strategic tools to communicate, problematize and contribute to solutions to the threat to biodiversity, and relate these strategic tools to other methods aimed at solving the biodiversity crisis.</p><p>The course explores the fundamentals of the crisis of biodiversity and its relation to climate change emphasizing the potential of cultural and artistic narratives to communicate, challenge, and transform our responses to the global biodiversity crisis. By integrating perspectives from different individuals, and societal actors, the course investigates current societal and cultural dependencies on biodiversity as a resource for materials, food and human culture as well as the responses to biodiversity loss and climate challenges across the globe. Central to this exploration is the role of culture and art, including literature and cinema, as powerful tools to deepen our understanding of humanity's connection to and perception of the natural world.</p> <p>The course consists of three modules. The first module reviews central concepts and principles related to biodiversity and the relation between biodiversity and climate change. In module Two, the principles are applied in practice through games, excursions and seminars. In the third module, students plan and carry out a project in small groups that uses cultural and artistic stories to communicate, problematize and influence human attitudes towards biodiversity.</p>